Netanyahu seeks Zelenskyy's cooperation to intercept Iranian drones

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approached Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss potential cooperation in countering Iranian-made drones.

“support and the prospect of private or foreign deals on anti-drone gear without Kyiv's consent”

Devdiscourse

According to Ynet on March 14, Netanyahu requested a conversation with Zelenskyy specifically to discuss cooperation on intercepting Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles.

Devdiscourse

This request comes as Israel faces growing security challenges related to Iranian drone capabilities.

Ukraine's ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniychuk, confirmed that the request had been received.

Korniychuk noted the conversation has not yet taken place due to scheduling constraints, with potential scheduling for early the following week.

The Israeli outlet reported that Israel is particularly interested in Ukraine's experience intercepting Iranian-designed drones such as the Shahed series.

Ukraine has developed significant expertise in countering Iranian drones through multiple methods including air defense systems, electronic warfare tools, and interceptor drones.

According to Ukrainian officials cited in the report, Kyiv has received 11 requests from countries—including neighbors of Iran, European states, and the US—seeking security cooperation related to countering Iranian drones.

Fine Day 102.3

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his nation expects financial compensation and advanced technology in exchange for providing drone defense expertise.

Zelenskyy has indicated that almost a dozen countries across the world have sought help from Ukraine on how to counter drone attacks.

This demonstrates the global recognition of Ukraine's capabilities in countering drone threats.

Ukraine previously sought cooperation with Israel in the field of air and missile defense in October 2022.

“Be the first to join the discussion”

Pakistan Today

This occurred after Russia began large-scale use of Iranian Shahed drones against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

Ukrainian officials warned that Iran was effectively testing its weapons in combat conditions through Russia's use of the drones.

They suggested this testing could eventually pose a security risk for Israel.

However, Israel declined to provide weapons to Ukraine due to concerns about technology transfer.

Netanyahu rejected requests from both the US and Ukraine, fearing weapons could be captured and passed to Iran.

Specific concerns included Iron Dome technology falling into Iranian hands.

Ukraine has deployed specialist teams to four Middle Eastern nations to share drone defense expertise.

Each deployment consists of several dozen experts who will evaluate current defenses and demonstrate effective countermeasures.

South China Morning Post

Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine expects both financial compensation and advanced technology in exchange for this assistance.

He stated 'Honestly, for us today, both the technology and the funding are important.'

Specialist teams have been sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Another group is working at a U.S. location.

Gulf states seek more efficient solutions than their current costly air defense missile systems.

Zelenskyy has framed Ukraine's involvement as focused solely on protection and technical assessment.

“Israel has approached Ukraine to discuss potential cooperation in countering Iranian-made drones, seeking Kyiv’s expertise after years of Ukraine defending against such systems during Russia’s war”

UNITED24 Media

He emphasized 'This is not about being involved. We are not at war with Iran. This is about protection and assessment.'

UNITED24 Media

This strategic positioning allows Ukraine to leverage expertise while maintaining clear boundaries.

Ukrainian forces have developed cost-effective methods for downing drones using smaller interceptor drones and jamming equipment.

This contrasts with expensive missile-based systems commonly used by Gulf states.

Zelenskyy expressed uncertainty about finalizing drone cooperation agreement with US.

Ukraine is pursuing multiple international partnerships to maximize benefits from its capabilities.